Cockroaches

Biology

There are around 50 types of roaches in the United States. The roach prefers a warm, humid, dark environment and is usually found in tropical or other mild climates. Only a few species have become pests. The insect damages more material than it consumes and emits a disagreeable odor. The diet of the roach, which includes both plant and animal products, ranges from food, paper, clothing, and books to dead insects, especially bedbugs.

Some species of concern are American Roaches, Brown Banded Roaches, German Cockroaches, Oriental Cockroaches, and Wood Cockroaches. The German cockroach is a widely distributed urban pest. It is also the most common cockroach species in houses, apartments, restaurants, hotels, and other institutions. This is true throughout the United States and in most parts of the civilized world.

Feeding Preferences

The insects are mostly scavengers and will feed on a wide variety of foods. They are especially fond of starches, sweets, grease, and meat products. In many locations, garbage is a principal food source.

Transmitted Diseases

Disease-producing organisms such as bacteria, protozoans, and viruses have been found on cockroach bodies. Different forms of gastroenteritis (food poisoning, dysentery, diarrhea, and other illnesses) appear to be the principal diseases transmitted by cockroaches. The organisms causing these diseases are carried on the legs and bodies of cockroaches and are deposited on food and utensils as the cockroaches forage.

Cockroach excrement and cast skins also contain a number of allergens to which many people exhibit allergic responses, such as skin rashes, watery eyes and sneezing, congestion of nasal passages, and asthma.

Habits

It is usually found in kitchens (near dishwashers, stoves, and sinks) and in bathrooms of homes. Cockroaches usually prefer a moist environment with a relatively high degree of warmth. Cockroaches are mostly active at night, when they forage for food, water, and mates. During the day they hide in cracks and crevices and other dark sites that provide a warm and humid environment. Their relatively wide, flat bodies enable them to move in and out of cracks and narrow openings with ease. They may be seen during the daytime, particularly if a heavy population is present or if there is some other stress, such as a lack of food or water or an application of pesticides.

Bed Bug Extermination

To control German cockroaches, it is important to do a thorough inspection. A cockroach survey (trapping) is sometimes necessary to determine the extent of an infestation, as even a thorough inspection will not reveal all cockroach harborages or foraging areas. A key factor in prevention is sanitation. Clean up all spilled foods, including crumbs on the floor. Do not leave dirty dishes overnight. Store items such as cereal, crackers, cookies, flour, sugar, and bread in airtight sealed containers. Empty garbage each evening into a sturdy container with a tightly fitted lid.

Baiting is an effective method to control or eliminate cockroaches. Insecticidal dusts like boric acid, silica aerogel, and diatomaceous earth can provide additional control. The use of residual insecticidal sprays or aerosol foggers within a structure is of little value in controlling cockroaches. In fact, these applications may disperse the cockroaches making control difficult and lengthy.

This information is taken from the NPMA Field Guide to Structural Pests – Authors Eric H. Smith and Richard C. Whitman

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Our service technician will perform a thorough inspection on the exterior and interior of your structure to locate all problem areas and properly identify
the pest you are having. All programs are specially designed to target the pest that is infesting your structure.